some remains of the Picts' wall, which, extending from sea to sea, ran through the town, are still discernible in the vicinity of the Panden Gate. The town originally derived its name from a castle erected in the neighbourhood to check the inroads of the Scots; and, despite of changes and renovations, this noble structure affords strong evidence of its former strength and beauty. appro Newcastle contains four churches, of which those dedicated to St. Nicholas and AllSaints are the most remarkable; the former for its lofty and ornamental spires, and the latter for its elegant steeple and beautiful interior. There are also many neat and priate buildings for the dissenting communities. The public charities of Newcastle are numerous, and most efficient; including among others an infirmary, a lunatic asylum, a lying-in hospital, and the keelmen's hospital, which last is supported by trifling contributions from the daily earnings of the keelmen. The bridge, an elegant structure, connecting the towns of Newcastle and Gateshead, was erected in 1781, at an expense of £30,000. In addition to other recent improvements, the town is adorned with an exchange, an elegant theatre, and a set of handsome baths. The residences of the higher classes are mostly in the northern part. Newcastle has long been famous for its coal-trade, of which article it has frequently sent coast-wise, in the course of a year, upwards of 600,000 chaldrons. Here are also several extensive manufactories of glass, cloth, hardware, wrought iron, &c.; and shipbuilding is carried on to a great extent. Newcastle returns two members to parliament; and by the provisions of the reform bill, the inhabitants are entitled, under certain restrictions, to the right of voting in the election of members for the county. The view of Newcastle, shown in the engraving, is taken from the Gateshead side of the river. The Tyne, partially covered with small craft, and graced by its elegant bridge, directs the eye to the dense line of erections, receding into remote perspective along the opposite shore. In this mighty assemblage of buildings, we readily distinguish the church of St. Nicholas, the castle, the new county courts, the church of All-Saints, and the exchange. There is an air of commercial greatness in the scene; and the distant shipping, of which the principal part, probably, is engaged in the coal trade, forcibly reminds us of the colliers, to whom a description of the Cimmerians, by Homer, may very well apply: "The gloomy race, in subterranean cells, Among surrounding shades and darkness dwells, Nor when he runs his course, nor when he sets." NORTH AND SOUTH SHIELDS,-NORTHUMBERLAND, AND DURHAM. North Shields, Northumberland, forming the principal feature in the illustrative view, is a place of considerable antiquity, standing on the north bank of the river Tyne. |